Mother baby nurse thinking of nicu

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Specializes in L&D, mother and child, antepartum, gynaecology.

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone could tell me their experiences switching from mother baby to nicu nursing. I am currently a nurse on a mother/baby unit and have been there for about six years. Prior to that I did a couple years of l&d. I have been thinking about making the jump to nicu as I have started to feel bored with my current unit. However I’m not sure if it’s a good idea or if I will be the right fit for more critical care. Thanks everyone. 

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Specializes in NICU.

There is very little similarity between a MB unit nurse and a NICU nurse except you are dealing with newborns and their parents.

Neonatal nursing is a whole different animal requiring top notch skills, knowledge, quick thinking, tons of patience, thick skin, strong heart.

You must bring your A-game every single day, and be prepared not to be appreciated nor recognized for it. 

Lack of appreciation is the Hallmark of neonatal nursing  but when you get to send one home after a three month stay ,the feeling is beyond expressing.

Best of luck if you go through with it.

 

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Specializes in NICU.
On 1/23/2021 at 3:44 PM, Leader25 said:

You must bring your A-game every single day, and be prepared not to be appreciated nor recognized for it. 

Lack of appreciation is the Hallmark of neonatal nursing  but when you get to send one home after a three month stay ,the feeling is beyond expressing.

It is a mixed bag. You will get parents who are highly critical of everything you do and there are parents that are highly appreciative and act like you can walk on water. It is very special when the parents trust us to care for their baby and realize that everything we do is for the betterment of the baby. 

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